Roadshow to give tips on avoiding health issues this winter

David Sedgwick

A roadshow will be visiting two shopping centres this week to help give advice and tips on preparing for the cold weather.

The Stay Well This Winter roadshow will be at The Keel Row, Blyth, on Wednesday, November 4, and Thursday, November 5, between 9am and 5pm.

It will then be at Manor Walks, Cramlington, on Friday, November 6, and Saturday, November 7, from 9am to 5pm.

The roadshow is part of the Stay Well This Winter campaign, a joint initiative from NHS England and Public Health England.

The campaign and this roadshow aims to help the public, and in particular those with long-term conditions and those over 65, prepare for winter and ward off common winter illnesses so they do not require a visit to the hospital.

At the roadshow events, expert advice and support will be provided from the roadshow nurse and staff.

Leaflets and posters will inform the public about some of the key actions which will help people stay well this winter.

Dr Craig Melrose, medical director at NHS England Cumbria and the North East, said: “We want people to stay well this winter and to seek early advice or care if they start to feel poorly.

“Older people in particular can deteriorate quickly and end up needing more serious treatment.”

“With winter inevitably comes the cold weather, but by keeping warm and speaking to a pharmacist, GP or NHS111 advisor if you start to feel unwell, you can help prevent colds and other winter illnesses turning into something more serious.

“There are some easy steps people can take to look after themselves and their families. During winter it’s good to have a well-stocked medicine cabinet, and adequate supplies of any prescription medication, so you can start to look after yourself straight away if it’s difficult to get out and about.”

For further information about how you and your family can stay well this winter, visit www.nhs.org.uk/staywell